For whatever reasons, Lebanon “unofficially” supported the invasion (1948) into the newly created Israel. This created a long term tension b/t the two countries. Of course a lot was happening around 1948…

1948 is also happens to be the date the British decided to release control over Palestine ( http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Palestine )—and possibly fully released the so called nominally independent Transjordan/Jordan kingdom of any British influences: military presence , control of foreign affairs, and financial controls (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Transjordan ). Such a release would have the effect of producing shift in powers between different countries in the region and how international influences occurred with such regions.

1948 also happens to be the date (as mentioned above) that Israel becomes a newly created country (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Palestine ) as a result of a UN vote (1947) and the subsequent civil war that results in the state of Israel declaring independence (1948).

Civil war broke out in Lebanon (1975-1990) and devastated the country.

Many in Lebanon found it impossible to understand how the 15 year Civil war (1975-1990) would benefit the country.

One direct comment I had from Lebanons 15 year Civil War (1975-1990) was “what’s the point of rebuilding when it gets destroyed and your notes get burned to provide heat?”

Lebanon’s 15 year Civil War (1975-1990) increased tensions with Israel as PLO used unrest to launch attacks.

Lebanon found itself in the international political spotlight & intrigue in 2005 when it’s leaders & officials were assassinated. The result was the withdrawal of the Syrian army from Lebanon.

2011, Special Tribunal for Lebanon: to indict Hezbollah of assassination of former prime minister Rafic Hariri in 2005.

National Unitary Government collapses, 2011, but Hezbollah gains political popularity: http://bit.ly/hrA7Ud